The Marshall Islands and Taiwan are both maritime nations. Nevertheless, our footsteps do not end at the sea's edge, nor does the ocean limit our development. Rather, it is our road to the world, on which we most rely to meet the future. As children of the ocean, both of our peoples have optimistic and adventurous spirits, and we share a common belief in freedom, democracy and peace. Although 5,600 kilometres separate our two countries, the indigenous peoples of Taiwan and the Marshall Islands both belong to the Austronesian group and share many similarities in culture, blood lineage, language and customs. Blood is thicker than water, and such fraternal ties completely transcend physical distance.
Since I took office as the president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in May 2000, President Note has visited Taiwan three times and personally invited me many times to visit your great country. Now I have finally made this trip and set foot on this beautiful land of the Marshall Islands, where I have enjoyed the generous hospitality of our maritime brothers. I am now the first president of the Republic of China to visit your great country, and this visit turns a new page in the history of the enduring friendship between the Marshall Islands and Taiwan.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan) officially established diplomatic relations on November 20, 1998. Over the past six years, the Marshall Islands and Taiwan have actively promoted cooperation in every area, including jointly promoting technical cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, establishing the Laura Demonstration Farm, attracting Taiwanese companies to invest in the Marshall Islands, participating in various infrastructure projects and personnel training, and expanding bilateral economic and trade exchanges. I am confident that these efforts have won unanimous affirmation from the government and people of the Marshall Islands, and that they truly recognize Taiwan as a sincere and trustworthy friend.
Over the past six years, the Marshall Islands has assisted Taiwan's efforts to participate in the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other international organizations as a sovereign state. For this unstinting and unreserved support, your nation has won the thanks and respect of the entire populace of Taiwan.
In his inaugural speech following his re-election in 2004, President Note stated that he would make it an administrative objective of the Marshall Islands government to support the restoration of Taiwan's rights as an independent, sovereign state. Moreover, on March 11 of this year, just before the Chinese government, with flagrant disregard for the opposition of the international community, adopted its so-called "Anti-Separation Law", a piece of legislation that authorizes war and allows for the military invasion of other countries, President Note personally sent a letter to me, in which he severely criticized China's adoption of the law and offered his explicit assurance that the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands firmly support Taiwan's absolute right to determine its own destiny as an independent, sovereign state.
President Note's letter was the first from a head of state or political leader expressing support for me and the people of Taiwan in the face of China's passage of its "anti-separation law." I was deeply moved and grateful, and will forever remember this touching gesture.
On May 20 of last year, President Note and the First Lady led a delegation to visit Taiwan and personally take part in my inauguration for my second term as president. In my inaugural address I spoke on the topic of "Paving the Way for a Sustainable Taiwan," and called on the people to pool their strength and work together to lay the foundation for our long-term national development, for sustainable democracy, sustainable reforms, sustainable humanities, and sustainable peace. I pledged to lead Taiwan toward solidarity and harmony, fairness and justice, prosperity and equality. This is the mission that history has endowed upon me; it is also a mission entrusted to me by the people.
Looking back at the past half century of collective struggle by the people of Taiwan, we can see how from an environment of extreme hardship they worked painstakingly in difficult conditions to finally achieve the economic prosperity and political democracy of today. However, this touching success story is not yet finished. We must pass on the torch of history and lay an even broader foundation and create even more conducive conditions for Taiwan's sustainable development.
Facing the increasingly fierce competition of globalization in the 21st century, Taiwan must expedite the pace of various reforms, continue to promote the liberalization of the economy and trade, further engage with the international community, and enhance national competitiveness in each and every aspect. At the same time, we will exert every effort to maintain stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait and the entire Asia-Pacific region. We firmly believe that peace is the one and only driving force of human civilization and progress. Military intimidation or war in any form, no matter for what reason or in what name, will only bring endless pain and suffering for the people.
Over the past century, mankind experienced two world wars. The Marshall Islands, Taiwan and many neighboring countries were burned in the merciless fire of war. Even now, the lingering influence of war's aftermath can still be felt. History, however, has proven that no problem can be resolved by war or other non-peaceful measures; they only reinforce meaningless mutual hatred and hostility. In this new century, peace is the mission of all mankind. The eruption of any war entails only loss and reversal for all the world's people.
Due to all manner of historical factors, one of the danger zones where the potential for war has been consistently highest over the past 50 years is the Taiwan Strait. The 23 million people of Taiwan, however, will not resign ourselves so easily to accept this destiny. The people of Taiwan love peace and respect freedom. We do not wish to see war anywhere in the world, and we earnestly hope for lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait. Yet, we also know very well that after more than a century of separation, and 50 years of confrontation and estrangement, Taiwan and China will need more than a momentary effort and a single step to promote reconciliation and cooperation and realize lasting peace. Contacts, dialogue, consultations and negotiations must be pursued to gradually reduce our differences and ultimately achieve success one day.
As an expression of the Taiwanese people's determination and sincerity in pursuing lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait, I would like to announce once again that the door to cross-strait talks and negotiations is always open. Official contacts, dialogue, consultations and negotiations between the two sides can be launched at any time, as long as they are conducted based on the principles of democracy, peace and parity. At the same time, in order to reduce tensions in the Taiwan Strait, a mechanism for cross-strait consultations on military security and confidence-building should be established as soon as possible.
Today, in just a little while, your great country will hold a celebration to mark the 26th anniversary of the independence of the Marshall Islands. All the members of my delegation and I feel greatly honored and invigorated to have been invited to participate in these important celebrations, because this day symbolizes many endeavors of a whole people in pursuing a dignified existence and brighter future. On behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my highest respects and blessings to the people of your esteemed country.
In the post-war 1950s and '60s, Taiwan received assistance and support from many countries, and this enabled Taiwan to successfully launch reconstruction work, expedite all manner of infrastructure projects, and lay the foundation of our future development. As the economy grew, Taiwan faced the challenge of these assistance programs ending. We resolutely chose to face the problem, resolve the problem, and forge ahead with full-scale reforms in all areas. Taiwan attracted foreign investment through tax incentives and set up export processing zones to actively develop an export-oriented industrial system. Ultimately, we overcame all difficulties and opened a road to a bright future.
Taiwan is willing to share its successful past experience with all countries facing similar challenges. Not only is this Taiwan's responsibility as a member of the global village; it is also a duty that we should fulfil for the international community. The Marshall Islands is a beautiful county with abundant marine resources, unique traditional cultures, and a diligent and honest people. I am confident that under the outstanding leadership of President Note, the progress and growth of your great country will continue, forming an even stronger foundation for the sustainable development and long-term stability of the Marshall Islands.
The Marshall Islands and Taiwan are maritime brothers and staunch allies. Taiwan is honored to have such a brother and friend, and we hope that the Marshall Islands can be proud of counting Taiwan as a brother and friend, too. Let the friendship between our two countries be as deep and eternal as the ocean, and let us work hand in hand for eternal happiness, sustainable development and enduring peace for our two peoples.
In closing, I would like to express once again my appreciation to Your Excellency, President Kessai Note, and First Lady Mary Note; Speaker Tomeing and Mrs. Tomeing; the Honorable Cabinet Ministers, the Honorable Nitijela Senators, all the distinguished guests, and all the people of the Marshall Islands. I also wish you all good health and every success. Thank you! Komotata! [END]